Members of the Farnham Visitor Forum recently met at The Farnham Maltings. The Chairman began by welcoming Cllr Mike Band, Mayor of Waverley, Cllr Jill Hargreaves, FTC, and Andrew Lamont, General Manager, Farnham Castle.
Sophie Easterbrook welcomed members to the Maltings and outlined its forthcoming programme, notably involvement in the 2 Minutes Silence celebration, and Spark Youth Festival showcasing drama groups from around the area.
To mark HM The Queen’s 90th birthday, a beacon will be lit at Farnham Castle by Town Mayor, Pat Frost, at 7.30 pm on 21st April. On 1st May the Castle is the starting point for the 2 Minutes Silence celebration. Wednesday afternoon tours of the Castle are continuing, and large numbers of visitors visit the Keep on Saturdays and Sundays. The wedding business is thriving, and outdoor opera and outdoor Shakespeare are planned for the summer.
Summer opening times have just started at the Rural Life Centre (open Wednesday – Sunday). The usual full programme of events is scheduled.
Pam Taylor from the Museum Society said that the society’s programme of speakers is being well received, and reported on the publication of the Society’s latest book “Lives of Women of Farnham from 1200-1900”.
The programme of events from the Town Council has been released: FTC are reviewing the Farmers Markets – e.g., more different stalls, and hopefully more customers. April 22nd Italian Market. May 27th Andernach Orchestra will play a popular programme, supported by The Maltings. As a celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday there will be a Spring Festival on Sunday 29th May, with bunting in the Meadow, family fun event in the morning and music and food and drink later. 5th June – 4th September Music in the Meadow series of concerts, each one with charity tea tent. 26 June Picnic in the Park. September 24th Food Festival.
In 2015 the following awards were won: Adobe Architectural Practice for reconstruction of The Forge, Upper Church Lane; UCA for a potential scheme for the Watts Gallery; Back to Front Designs for work on Holly Bush cottage; Noel Wright for his design of Temple Hill, Dockenfield.
Outi Remes from The New Ashgate Gallery reported that they are installing their Rising Star Exhibition this week, and have a full programme of events this year. On 10th June there will be a big show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gallery opening in Waggon Yard.
The Heritage Open Day’s theme will be “Art and Craft in Farnham”, and will feature post-war architecture and include tours of UCA campus. The Cobbett statue, located at Churchill development, will have the official opening in May. Charles Bone has raised the funding. The project is owned and supported by Churchill who have contributed and are providing the plinth.
Finger sign posts are now in place, notably for UCA, and Farnham Leisure Centre, and the Public Art Trail leaflet is about to be published. FTC will consider funding insurance for street parties taking place to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. 17th March will see the unveiling of the start of the North Downs Way. 7th April is the launch of Farnham in Bloom.
